Wal-Mart raises quality standards

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it would set new quality standards for its suppliers in the wake of a series of scandals involving Chinese-made products, which account for a major portion of the company’s sales.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has recommended that China increase oversight of its food-safety system and hold businesses accountable for their products.

Although Wal-Mart’s new standards apply to all products, confidence in Chinese products has been sagging after high levels of toxic industrial chemicals were found last year in exports ranging from toothpaste to toys.